Search - Jules Massenet, Alfredo Simonetto, Boris Christoff :: Massenet: Don Quichotte

A bargain at this price

07/25/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First some info. This live recording was made in 1958 and stars Boris Christoff in the title role and Teresa Berganza as Dulcinea. Since this is my only receording with either Christoff or Berganza, I have no point of reference as to whether these are great or merely good performances. Given that this is an Opera D'oro release, I feel a commentary on the sound is in order since the sound quality tends to vary quite a bit across their releases. Generally, the sound is good. There's no audience noise, and the vocalists are recorded well. The sound of the orchestra lacks definition in places, but it is not bad. There's a little distortion when the chorus kicks in full, but again, it is not terribly bothersome. Overall, this is a good value. By the way, I interpret 3 stars as "good"."

You get what you pay for!

09/26/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Mama Mia! A French opera sung in Italian with no warning! Forget about a libretto, none is included. The sound quality is marginal at times. When the orchestra or chorus get in full swing forget it, saturation is the name of the game. Solo vocals are surprisingly good.So much for the negative, you can't beat the price. A good opportunity to experience an under performed French opera, albeit from a decidedly Italian perspective."

Time for a new recording...

dcreader | Washington DC area | 12/19/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Those who wish a recording of this underappreciated opera are in a quandry. There ARE good recordings out there, but they're not available in the US. This is the only one I could find on the Internet. While the performances and orchestra are satisfactory, the sound is not. I realize that this is a bargain basement priced recording, but you should realize that what you hear will sound like an old radio broadcast.Currently, Ruggero Raimondi is performing this role and I had a chance to see him. It would be great if he and others who had performed with him would record this soon. Perhaps a project for a new Massenet conductor, Antonio Pappano?"